I'm going to try the dishwasher thing for getting a hat or two cleaned up and I have a question. Do you guys use soap in the d/w or just the water? Thanks in advance for any info.

I honestly don't know but I think soap. It works great.

If you are putting the hat in the dishwasher by itself, use very little soap. Although many say not to do so, I usually throw it in with the dirty dishes and have never had a problem. However, I suggest rinsing those dirty dishes off so there are no big food particles and the like to get stuck on the cap.

I just use a small amount of detergent and the gentle cycle on the clothes washer with cold wash/rinse. Works like a charm and no shrinkage. Brims have all come through just fine.

My dishwasher keeps the water way too hot for me to want to wash a hat in. Way too HOT!

Wasn't there a thread on this not too long ago with all sorts of theories, testimonials about products, and then some real world testing?

EDIT:

found it: http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=101098

Ahhh... now I see the whole dishwasher thing. Mine still heats the water way to hot for this... but my last washing machine purchase was a front loader. It simply rolls the contents quickly through the water (back and forth). Not only does it use less than 20% of the water of a top loader, its easier on clothes, cleans better with less detergent, and doesn't have an agitator that destroys things like hats and shoes.

Check with your State. California gave me $150 rebate on mine cause of the water conservation.

That's a very good point. Front loads probably do little damage while top loads w/ agitators probably do more damage.